This season, Payless ShoeSource is keeping it fashion AND philanthropy forward!

Payless has partnered with Mercy Housing Colorado to give 25 of our youngsters some fancy footwear through their Payless Gives ™ – Shoes 4 Kids program. The international program – which reaches all 50 states, Canada, Puerto Rico and 11 Latin American countries – gave more than $1.5 million of shoes to children of families living on low incomes this holiday season.

Stepping out in style this holiday season.

One such recipient, a pint-sized fashion plate and Mercy Housing tenant named Aja, was on the hunt for her first pair of heels.

“I just had a birthday,” said Aja. “I’m seven now, so I need fancy shoes.”

The gifts were obtained through Mercy Housing’s Resident Services programming. The programs provide safe, out of school time opportunities for children, health and wellness classes for seniors, financial literacy courses for young adults and a wide array of other onsite supportive services that set Mercy Housing apart from many other affordable housing providers in the nation.

And Aja agrees, completely. Proving that she’s as practical as she is fashionable, not only did Aja find herself a fancy new pair of heels, she also selected a sensible pair of rainbow flats to keep her comfy during those long, grueling hours in the 1st grade classroom.